It’s so easy to feel like everyone knows what they’re doing and you’re getting lost. Wondering what your major should be, what college you should go to, and what color prom dress to get. You’re probably worrying more than you ever have, trying to scramble to savor the last few days like everybody tells you that you should. If you blink, you’ll miss it, and your name will be called and you’ll walk down the stage in a cap and gown without even realizing what you’ve missed.
Navigating Senior Year
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Emotional Complexity Graduation brings a mix of excitement for the future and mourning for lost friendships and shared experiences.
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The Pressure to Perform Students often feel overwhelmed by decisions regarding college, majors, and the fear of falling behind peers.
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Living in the Moment The author encourages students to stop constantly looking toward the future and instead find contentment in the present.
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Personal Pace It is essential to follow your own path rather than comparing your progress to the achievements of others.
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Embracing Mistakes Now is the ideal time to take risks and put yourself out there without the fear of failure.
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Making Memories Students should spend their final summer soaking in local traditions and laughing with friends before life changes.
For the last four years, I have thought every single day about what I will do tomorrow, rather than today, dreaming of the next thing or next year or what I will do in college, rather than looking around at what I have and feeling content. I have always been searching for more, and I have always looked ahead so far in a way that dragged me behind.
To those who feel like you’re falling behind, keep pace with yourself and what you want. Not what anybody else wants or what they’re doing. Don’t compare yourself to others, especially not at this time. You’re on the exact path that you’re supposed to be, and everything will work out in good timing.
Soon, you’ll be telling your children the stories of your high school years, and they’ll be scoffing, similarly to how you do when your parents talk about the ‘good old days’ or the ‘kids these days’. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to put yourself out there; now is the best time to do it. If you feel like you’re falling behind or running late, the best time to start was 4 years ago. The next best time to start is now.
This summer, soak in the sunset, watch the fireworks at Buffalo Days, ride the carnival rides, and laugh like little kids. Take the last few laughs with your friends before you leave. You’ll say that you’ll keep in touch, but there’s always the chance that you might not, and texts will get fewer and further between. Don’t look back in anger; however, look ahead to the light.
“No matter how much graduation might scare me, I’m looking forward to all the opportunities ahead, despite the sadness of leaving so many memories back here in high school” Emily Tadych ‘26 said.
Chances are that things will work out, and that if you’re worried about it, it’s just a sign that you care.
